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Supporting companies in the bulk handling industryThu, 31 Aug 2017 12:49:47 +0000en-GBhourly1Telestack’s to exhibit popular LF520 Revolution at forthcoming STEINEXPOhttps://mhea.co.uk/telestacks-exhibit-popular-lf520-revolution-forthcoming-steinexpo/
Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:43:39 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2571Global leader in the design and manufacture of mobile material handling equipment Telestack, look forward with great anticipation to exhibiting at the forthcoming SteinExpo which takes place from 30 August to 2 September in Homberg/ Neider-Ofleiden, Germany. Held in one of Europe’s largest basalt quarries, Telestack will exhibit the LF520 Revolution – a highly popular […]

]]>Global leader in the design and manufacture of mobile material handling equipment Telestack, look forward with great anticipation to exhibiting at the forthcoming SteinExpo which takes place from 30 August to 2 September in Homberg/ Neider-Ofleiden, Germany. Held in one of Europe’s largest basalt quarries, Telestack will exhibit the LF520 Revolution – a highly popular unit across the globe. Co-exhibiting with their highly respected German dealers, C. Christophel GmbH and Jurgen Kolsch GmbH, visitors will be able to view the LF520 Revolution on Stand C27, Demo Area C.

LF514 displayed at Bauma 2016 which was sold to Zurcher in Germany – a large German rail infrastructure company who used the LF to load rail cars with railway ballast.

Commenting on the forthcoming SteinExpo, Malachy Gribben Commercial Director stated, “Telestack look forward to exhibiting at SteinExpo in its tenth year. Germany is a key market for us and our products are well known, widely distributed and trusted. We have LF units across the globe that are used in a variety of applications from stockpiling crushed glass in Germany, bargeloading on an airport construction project in Japan, to a coal ash clean-up project in USA. The addition of the Revolution feature which allows the unit to turn 360°, has added to the flexibility and functionality of the unit. We continue to invest in our hopper feeder range and our portfolio of LF applications is by far the most varied and comprehensive among manufacturers of this type of product and our units in the field are supported by experienced and reliable partners who understand their customer’s business.”

The LF520 in Norway used to stockpile in a quarry and then tracked to quayside to be used to load barges.

LF520 Revolution Hopper Feeder

The LF520 Revolution Hopper Feeder is a track mounted fully mobile conveyor designed to work at production rates of up to 500tph (550 Ton per hr). Telestack’s low feed, hopper feeder range is designed to be loaded directly from wheel loaders, grab cranes, excavators etc. feed auxiliary equipment, reclaim to other conveyors, directly load ships, trucks, rail wagons etc. Since the hopper feeder is track mounted the unit has excellent mobility on site and will eliminate double handling of material, which reduces overall costs for operator.

The LF model also has a significantly lower feed in height compared to standard hopper feeders which allows for rear feeding which can be beneficial when operating in constrained areas. The range of standard machine types is available with boom lengths up to 24 metres or fully customised to suit the Client’s specific application, feeding equipment and site conditions. The LF range has a generous hopper width and the heavy duty feeder has a full impact bed for aggressive application/large lump sizes which makes it the ideal design for being fed by loader and excavator.

Padraig McDermott, one of Telestack’s International Sales Manager for Germany continues “We had an LF514 at the Bauma exhibition in Munich last year which was sold to the large German rail infrastructure company Zurcher to load rail cars with railway ballast and it generated great interest on the stand among people from a range of applications. Our ability to demonstrate the versatility of the LF has quickly given it a solid reputation. We have a customer in Norway who uses his LF520 to stockpile in his quarry and then tracks the LF520 to the quayside and uses the same unit to load barges. We have many who use it in warehouse applications simply because it is easier to feed as the loader is able to drive straight in and tip. The addition of the Revolution feature has only added to the flexibility of the unit and its improved manoeuvrability is already having positive impact with operators insisting on the revolution feature.”

The additional Revolution feature comprises of the hopper feeder range with centre mounted slew bearing that enables 360° rotation and movement of the hopper to enhance the mobility and flexibility on site. The mobility feature makes it ideal for barge loading and unloading, rail loading / unloading and stockpiling. The ability to move parallel enables the operator to manoeuvre the unit parallel to the vessel, minimising repositioning thus enhancing loading rates and efficiency.

Renowned for their innovative approach, Telestack are considered one of the key pacesetters within the bulk handling industry. As specialists in the complete design, manufacture and commissioning of mobile bulk material handling systems, the Telestack products can handle all free flowing bulk materials including ores, coal, aggregates, fertilizers, grains, woodchips, pellets and many more bulk materials. With one of the most comprehensive product offerings in the industry, Telestack can offer personalised solutions from an extensive range of Ship Loaders and Unloaders, Hopper Feeders, Truck Unloaders, Bulk Reception Feeders, Stockpiling Conveyors, Link Conveyors and Telescopic Stackers.

To arrange a meeting with any one of the Telestack experienced personnel at the SteinExpo 2017 exhibition, please email sales@telestack.com

]]>Kansas State University Improves Domestic and Global Grain Industrieshttps://mhea.co.uk/kansas-state-university-improves-domestic-global-grain-industries/
Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:42:18 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2563When it comes to flour and feed operations, Kansas State University doesn’t mill around. Founded in 1978, the IGP Institute at Kansas State University (known previously as the International Grains Program) works diligently to offer innovative technical programs for enhanced market preference, consumption and utilization of U.S. cereal grains, oilseeds and their value-added products in […]

]]>When it comes to flour and feed operations, Kansas State University doesn’t mill around. Founded in 1978, the IGP Institute at Kansas State University (known previously as the International Grains Program) works diligently to offer innovative technical programs for enhanced market preference, consumption and utilization of U.S. cereal grains, oilseeds and their value-added products in the global grain industry.

IGP Institute

Located in Manhattan, Kansas, USA, the IGP Institute was the first professional institute of its kind in the United States, providing technical training to current industry professionals in support of market development activities for U.S. grains and oilseeds. Program course offerings are led by K-State faculty and industry professionals in the areas of flour milling and grain processing; grain marketing and risk management; and feed manufacturing and grain management. Along with on-campus trainings, K-State faculty travel abroad to lead customized, on-location workshops. In addition, the IGP Institute administers virtual distance education courses for those who seek continued education in their industry but are unable to travel for on-site training.

Through training opportunities provided by the IGP Institute, international business leaders, government representatives and other international participants learn more about current trends and issues affecting the grain and oilseed industries. They also develop technical knowledge and skills in these areas, allowing them to be more informed purchasers and processors of U.S. grains and oilseeds.

By partnering with organizations such as the U.S. Grains Council; U.S. Soybean Export Council; U.S. Wheat Associates; Kansas Wheat, Corn, Grain Sorghum and Soybean commissions; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA); Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS); American Feed Industry Association (AFIA); and the International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM), the IGP Institute ensures a premier education in foreign agricultural services. As a result, IGP-trained buyers of grain, millers of wheat and manufacturers of animal feed can now be found in literally every corner of the world.

“We are the only program in the U.S. that trains our students to understand where their grain comes from, who raises it, how it is stored, how it is further processed and how that process affects what people or animals ultimately ingest as part of the food supply,” said Gordon Smith, IGP Institute director and head of the K-State Department of Grain Science and Industry. “More than 80 percent of our K-State faculty have experience in industry. This makes them well-versed on global educational needs and enhances our institution’s ability to train high-quality students and professionals on cutting-edge techniques.”

Grain Science Complex

To expand its services for international training programs and for students enrolled in K-State’s College of Agriculture, the IGP Institute dedicated a new, 16-acre Grain Science Complex on the northern edge of K-State’s Manhattan campus in 2004. The complex is currently home to the IGP Institute Conference Center, Hal Ross Flour Mill, O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center, and the Bioprocessing and Industrial Value Added Products Innovation Center.

On K-State’s main campus, the Department of Grain Science and Industry utilizes educational resources at Shellenberger Hall, Throckmorton Plant Sciences Center, and Waters Hall Annex. In Shellenberger, students have access to hands-on learning experiences in the Bakery Laboratory, the Cereal Chemistry Laboratory and the Flour Milling Teaching Laboratory. In Throckmorton, student research is performed in the Wheat Quality Research Laboratory. In Waters, educational experiences are afforded in the Flour & Dough Testing Laboratory, the Grain and Feed Microbiology & Toxicology Laboratory, the Micro-beam Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory, and the Physical Properties Laboratory.

Through these facilities, K-State has sealed its position as a global leader in food science research and milling best practices.

Hal Ross Flour Mill

In 2006, the complex completed its $12 million construction of the Hal Ross Flour Mill. The 22,000-square-foot facility is a five-story, small-scale grain milling operation intended to allow K-State students to gain applied knowledge and skills in the art of milling, and for international training programs to reinforce the continued learning of those currently working in milling industries. As part of the project, Vortex gifted $85,000 worth of valves to the Hal Ross Flour Mill to further improve the hands-on learning experiences of future millers. In 2011, Vortex donated six more valves to the facility, valued at $4,000.

Under the observation of faculty and facility administration, the Hal Ross Flour Mill is fully operated by K-State students and international program trainees. It has even been incorporated into the K-State curriculum, as several required courses for the Bachelor of Science in milling science and management program are administered using the mill’s facilities.

The career outlook for students seeking such degrees is quite promising. Because K-State’s bachelor’s degree in milling science and management is the only undergraduate degree of its kind in the United States, students are realizing a 100 percent placement rate into milling careers immediately upon graduation. Recent statistics also indicate an average starting salary for millers is approximately $68,000.

The Hal Ross Flour Mill is equipped to produce more than 29,000 pounds (13,000 kilograms) of flour per day. Through generous grain donations from Kansas harvesting operations, the mill’s administration is able to teach students the importance of milling in its entirety — from grain hull to end product. Once the grain has been milled as final product, it is packaged in bulk and sold through various outlets. Small quantities of product are kept on hand and donated to the K-State Milling Science Club. The club supports fundraising efforts by selling its flour and pancake mix at K-State’s Call Hall Dairy Bar.

“I feel fortunate to be a part of the milling science program here at Kansas State University,” said Paul Blodgett, milling operations manager for the Hal Ross Flour Mill. “Having come up through this very program before working for many years in the milling industry, I know what a key role the K-State faculty and staff play in providing students with the knowledge they will need throughout their careers. With the advanced technologies and milling resources we have in our facilities, it’s exciting and rewarding to work alongside milling students and see their progression through the program. The education they receive here gives them a huge advantage as they graduate and enter the workforce.”

O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center

Construction of the $17 million O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center was completed in 2013. Standing twice as tall as the Hal Ross Flour Mill, the 142-foot O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center is a small-scale feed milling operation for K-State students studying feed science and animal science to gain feed experience in a controlled setting, and for international training programs to host IGP short courses and seminars.

The O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center features a California Pellet Mill (CPM) pelleting system with the capacity to produce one ton of pellet per hour. The center also includes facilities for grain and ingredient receiving, handling, and storage, allowing the mill’s operators to observe all facets of the feed milling process. In total, the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center is capable of producing five tons of fully processed animal feed per hour.

Once the feed has been processed for safe animal consumption, it is packaged in bulk and donated to K-State’s Animal Science Research and Extension program, where the feed is used to supplement the nutrition of university animals. Through this program, K-State furthers research and community knowledge on beef, dairy, equine, value-added foods, meat, food safety, poultry, sheep, goat, swine, veterinary, antibiotics, wildlife, livestock and more.

Providing students with an additional facet of knowledge, the Cargill Center for Feed Safety Research at the O.H. Kruse Feed Technology Innovation Center allows students and faculty to perform investigative research in areas such as grain genetics, energy efficiency, feed quality, nutritional performance, feed grinding, specialty feed mixing, grain storage, feed quality preservation, pet food research and more. Also through this facility, faculty and students intentionally contaminate samples of animal feed with live pathogens, supporting research on how to sterilize and decontaminate food before it is fed to animals.

The Bioprocessing & Industrial Value Added Products Innovation Center at Kansas State University is a 33,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art research facility that houses the Bio-Materials and Technology Laboratory, the Extrusion Pilot Facility and Laboratory, and the Bioprocessing and Renewable Energy Laboratory. The goal of BIVAP is to make contributions toward reducing climate change, enhancing energy security, aiding worldwide hunger relief, and bettering sustainability initiatives. In support of these studies, BIVAP is developing innovative technologies to produce value-added, bio-based products from grains and other agricultural inputs.

With these core values in mind, the purpose of BIVAP is to assist businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and university faculty in the development of new, commercialized bio-based technologies. Possessing conference rooms, three areas for pilot-scale processing, six areas for bench-top research and testing, and expert knowledge in the areas of bioprocessing, extrusion and fermentation, the facilities at BIVAP are essential to bringing ideas from concept to development to commercialized fruition.

Bulk Solids Innovation Center

Further complementing K-State’s commitment to continuing education is the Kansas State University Bulk Solids Innovation Center. Located in Salina, Kansas, USA, the nearly 13,000-square-foot research facility is used to study and further the understanding of bulk solids materials handling. Features of the facility include six flexible bulk solids laboratories; office space for researchers; a training room equipped to accommodate 56 students; a storage silo; a blower and motor control room; and a conference center. The largest laboratory space is a full-scale, 30-foot-tall open bay, which allows more exploratory research into bulk solids storage, conveying, gravity flow, blending, segregation, degradation, dust collection, safety and air pollution control. Such a space enhances the collaborative research experiences of university investigators, students and academic fellows interested in the advanced science of bulk solids material handling.

The center also hosts professional development courses, allowing business visitors to tour the facilities and network with industry experts to discuss cutting edge developments in bulk solids material handling. With major businesses from all over the world traveling to attend such courses, the goal of K-State’s Bulk Solids Innovation Center is to enhance businesses’ understanding of bulk solid materials and the systems that convey, store and dispense them for manufacture. Construction of this university-level research center in 2015 was highly anticipated, as it is the only one of its kind in North America. Kansas State University’s research is supplemented by Coperion (K-Tron) and Vortex, which provide the center’s mechanical components for bulk material handling.

“The knowledge of bulk solids handling is learned through experience, as well as from senior professionals in the industry. Opportunities for formal education on these subjects are very limited. The K-State Bulk Solids Innovation Center’s purpose is to fill this gap through organized short courses, and we hope to offer a master’s degree and a professional certificate on bulk solids handling in the future.”

“K-State’s grain science and milling programs and facilities are world class and are a natural outgrowth of our land-grant mission’s long-standing expertise in these areas,” said Richard Myers, president of Kansas State University. “As the world works toward the daunting task of feeding nearly 10 billion people by 2050, K-State’s leadership and training programs in animal health, plant science, food safety and food security will continue to be of great importance. Our many programs, including the IGP Institute and the Bulk Solids Innovation Center, are critical in developing agricultural capacity and ensuring safety.”

]]>VORTEX APPOINTS PLADOT AS ISRAEL REPRESENTATIVEhttps://mhea.co.uk/vortex-appoints-pladot-israel-representative/
Mon, 14 Aug 2017 13:11:25 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2560Vortex Global, a dry solids and bulk handling components company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Pladot as its new representative agent in Israel. Since 1945, Pladot has engaged in the design and production of mechanical and hydraulic systems. The company specializes in the construction of conveyors and conveying systems, process tanks, screw feeders, […]

]]>Vortex Global, a dry solids and bulk handling components company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Pladot as its new representative agent in Israel.

Since 1945, Pladot has engaged in the design and production of mechanical and hydraulic systems. The company specializes in the construction of conveyors and conveying systems, process tanks, screw feeders, washing machines, and other mechanical solutions.

Pladot specializes in producing mechanical components for the food and beverage industry, and has extensive experience in industries such as agriculture, dairy, packaging, process plants, security, wineries, wastewater treatment, and more. Many of Israel’s leading food and beverage companies are among Pladot’s vast and diverse customer network.

The family-owned company currently utilizes 40 employees, and is a Level A-certified supplier with ISO 9001 Standard certification.

“Pladot’s extensive experience and industry knowledge ensures their reliable response to customers in the Israel network. Vortex is excited to have them as part of the team, as their assets will encourage company growth and further the market competitiveness of both parties.”

]]>AUMUND Group Field Service – Specialists in international industrial installationshttps://mhea.co.uk/aumund-group-field-service-specialists-international-industrial-installations/
Tue, 08 Aug 2017 10:49:00 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2555On 1st July 2017, a new company was incorporated under the umbrella of the AUMUND Group, and 49-year-old Erwin Last became its Managing Director. AUMUND Group Field Service GmbH has its registered office in Rheinberg, Germany, directly adjacent to the AUMUND headquarters. The company’s business is to carry out industrial installation services on behalf of […]

]]>On 1st July 2017, a new company was incorporated under the umbrella of the AUMUND Group, and 49-year-old Erwin Last became its Managing Director. AUMUND Group Field Service GmbH has its registered office in Rheinberg, Germany, directly adjacent to the AUMUND headquarters.

The company’s business is to carry out industrial installation services on behalf of the Group brands, AUMUND Fördertechnik GmbH, SCHADE Lagertechnik GmbH and SAMSON Materials Handling Ltd., but also for customers outside the AUMUND Group. In particular it will carry out and supervise installation and commissioning of machines as well as servicing, maintenance and repair work.

“We have amalgamated the installation and commissioning activities of the three companies into a new service entity”, says Managing Director Erwin ,Last. “The benefits lie in particular in utilising and further expanding our strong international network of supervisors and commissioning personnel, and in improving our presence alongside the people who use our machines on site.”
Through this merger the AUMUND Group will optimise the range of site installation, equipment start-up and inspection services.

Erwin Last evaluates this corporate consolidation as a further step towards ensuring sustainable employment prospects for Rheinberg. “We will set a consistent standard for site services and commissioning over the whole of the AUMUND Group. This will bring a marked increase in efficiency and added value for the customer,” continues Erwin Last.

The core team of the new AUMUND Group Field Service GmbH consists of 28 employees.

]]>SAMSON-Eco Hoppers with ATEX for Port of Mombasahttps://mhea.co.uk/samson-eco-hoppers-with-atex-for-port-of-mombasa/
Sun, 30 Jul 2017 10:37:39 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2549SAMSON Materials Handling Ltd. has received an order from TradeMark East Africa for 4 Eco Hoppers with ATEX to be employed at the Port of Mombasa in Kenya. This was won following a lengthy and complicated tender process. The engineering design is the result of the successful collaboration of the AUMUND Group of companies involving […]

]]>SAMSON Materials Handling Ltd. has received an order from TradeMark East Africa for 4 Eco Hoppers with ATEX to be employed at the Port of Mombasa in Kenya. This was won following a lengthy and complicated tender process. The engineering design is the result of the successful collaboration of the AUMUND Group of companies involving SAMSON Materials Handling Ltd., Ely/UK and engineers from SCHADE Lagertechnik GmbH in Germany.

Four identical Eco Hoppers will be used for the environmentally respectful import of Clinker, Coal and Gypsum. Management of air quality and fugitive dust is very important as operation will be in a dusty atmosphere with high levels of humidity and temperatures ranging from 22 – 40°C. A variety of dust suppression measures will be employed both at the intake area of the Eco Hopper itself as well as on a dusting system situated between the hopper and truck. The dust reduction measures include an automatic reverse-jet cleaning system, air compressors, inlet grill with suction capacity, a flex-flap creating a pressure differential and a dust filter unit on three sides of the hopper.

The Eco Hopper inlet grill measures 6m x 6m and is topped by a 2m high shroud which creates an aperture of 8.2 x 8.2m for grab discharge thus mitigating the effects of high winds. The Eco hopper is mounted on a chassis which brings the total height of the configuration to 15.7m allowing a truck clearance height of over 4m. The four Eco Hoppers for the Port of Mombasa are mobile powered travel with crabbing functionality to enable specific positioning of the hoppers alongside the vessel. The throughput of each Eco Hopper is designed to operate at a peak rate of 700tph.
A unique development to the four Eco Hoppers that will be supplied to the Kenya Port Authority is the introduction of ATEX, which for dust filtration import hoppers is a first of its kind into
the market.

]]>Member site visit to Glensanda Quarry, 10 May 2017https://mhea.co.uk/member-site-visit-glensanda-quarry-10-may-2017/
Fri, 02 Jun 2017 11:51:58 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2487Places for our first site visit in 2017 were in much demand and on 10th May 21 MHEA members arrived at Glensanda Quarry in Oban, Scotland, courtesy of Aggregates Industries. It is the largest granite quarry in Europe, only accessible by boat – everything used at the site has to be transferred by barge as […]

]]>Places for our first site visit in 2017 were in much demand and on 10th May 21 MHEA members arrived at Glensanda Quarry in Oban, Scotland, courtesy of Aggregates Industries. It is the largest granite quarry in Europe, only accessible by boat – everything used at the site has to be transferred by barge as there is no road access.

This trip was hosted by David Lamb, Assistant Quarry Operations Manager, Simon Turk, Logistics Director and Ian Henry the Harbourmaster/Ship Agency/Admin Manger. David gave the assembled group a short presentation on the history of the quarry. They have removed over 150 million tonnes since the quarry started production in 1986. The quarry production rate is between 5 – 7.5 million tonnes per annum and products are dispatched all over the world.

We then visited the top of the quarry which has a fabulous view over Loch Linnhe and were extremely lucky to see a controlled blast of the rock face -70,000 tonnes which lasts for 2 days before they need to blast again. After lunch, the tour continued and we visited the primary crusher, where rock is crushed and drops down the 230m deep glory hole to be transported by conveyor belt to the secondary crushing and screening plant and onwards to the Shiploader system.

]]>Watchdog™ Super Elite – Bucket Elevator or Conveyor Monitoring Systemhttps://mhea.co.uk/watchdog-super-elite-bucket-elevator-conveyor-monitoring-system/
Wed, 31 May 2017 12:27:57 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2465Leeds, UK – 4B Braime Components Ltd., a worldwide manufacturer of material handling and electronic components, has just released the all new fourth generation Watchdog™ control unit for monitoring bucket elevators and conveyors. The Watchdog™ Super Elite (WDC4) is easy to install and simple to set-up. The system processes signals from up to 15 sensors […]

]]>Leeds, UK – 4B Braime Components Ltd., a worldwide manufacturer of material handling and electronic components, has just released the all new fourth generation Watchdog™ control unit for monitoring bucket elevators and conveyors.

The Watchdog™ Super Elite (WDC4) is easy to install and simple to set-up. The system processes signals from up to 15 sensors for belt speed, belt misalignment, continuous bearing temperature, pulley misalignment and plug conditions on bucket elevators or conveyors. When an alarm condition is detected the system will log the details, sound an alarm and provide shutdown control of the elevator/conveyor and feeding system.

A new 3.5” colour graphic LCD screen displays the entire system status at a glance. The WDC4 model now supports belt speed monitoring for variable frequency drives (VFD’s), and belt misalignment inputs for contact, pulse and temperature (brass rub block) sensors. The WDC4 also has jog and acceleration monitoring for detecting any equipment issues during the start-up sequence.

The controller settings are password protected, and can be set up either directly on the LCD screen, or by a free PC software application and transferred to the WDC4 via an SD card. The Watchdog™ Super Elite can be connected directly to a PLC using Modbus TCP/IP protocol, or integrated into HazardMon.com®. HazardMon.com is a secure cloud based solution that provides live system status, graphs and historical data that is viewable on any web-enabled device (smartphone, tablet, desktop PC).

The Watchdog System is approved to the following explosive atmosphere standards: ATEX (EU), CSA (USA), IECEx (SE Asia and Australia), InMetro (Brasil) and Nepsi (China).

]]>VORTEX LOADING SPOUTS GAIN ATEX CERTIFICATION IN EUROPEhttps://mhea.co.uk/vortex-loading-spouts-gain-atex-certification-europe/
Tue, 30 May 2017 14:52:07 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2454DARLINGTON, UK – Vortex, a solids and bulk handling components company, announces its Loading Solutions product line has gained Zone 20 (internal) and Zone 21 (external) ATEX certification in the European Union. Because ATEX certification is required for equipment sold through the European Union (EU), this certification allows Vortex to broaden its international reach and […]

]]>DARLINGTON, UK – Vortex, a solids and bulk handling components company, announces its Loading Solutions product line has gained Zone 20 (internal) and Zone 21 (external) ATEX certification in the European Union. Because ATEX certification is required for equipment sold through the European Union (EU), this certification allows Vortex to broaden its international reach and enter an established European market for loading spouts. As Zone 20 and Zone 21 are the highest ATEX ratings that can be achieved, Vortex Loading Solutions are compliant for use in even the most hazardous applications, making Vortex products a viable option for all industries.

Established on March 29, 2014, ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU is a revised law requiring equipment manufactures to design and construct equipment in a way that ensures a static dissipative path for material flow, thus reducing the source of ignition for use of equipment in explosive environments. Complemented by ATEX Directive 99/92/EC, which is law enforced in the workplace, the purpose of the ATEX Directive is to ensure employee safety and protection when manufacturing in hazardous environments.

The Notified Body sourced to assist Vortex in gaining certification was the UK-based firm, SGS Baseefa. A certification process which took nearly one year to complete, SGS Baseefa was responsible for reviewing drawings and product standards, and for performing material testing, to ensure the Loading Solutions product line is mechanically and electrically compliant with ATEX Directive guidelines.

Vortex Loading Solutions are designed to capture fugitive dust, prevent material waste, ensure plant and environmental safety, and minimize maintenance and service expenses. Vortex loading spouts can also be designed for standard, abrasive and food-grade material handling, making them an ideal solution for any bulk solids application. Spout sleeves can be constructed from four material options – two of which have been ATEX-certified. Coupled with the spout’s four-cable pulley system and 10-year cable warranty, Vortex Loading Solutions are reliable for safety and functionality in any material handling application.

Further, all Vortex products from the Quantum and Titan lines are also ATEX-certified, making Vortex one of the safest sourcing options for equipment used in hazardous manufacturing environments.

About Vortex:

For 40 years, Vortex has provided quality slide gates, diverters, iris valves and loading spouts designed specifically for handling dry bulk solids in gravity, vacuum, dilute, or dense phase applications. Vortex valves and spouts are engineered for dependability, durability, easy maintenance, and offer proven solutions to material handling and process efficiency problems. With an in-house team of engineers, Vortex products can be completely customized for individual applications or special installations.

FCC Environment’s Allington Quarry site near Maidstone has been operational as an Energy-from-Waste (EfW) integrated waste management facility since 2008. Under FCC subsidiary Kent Enviropower it takes general waste otherwise destined for landfill and burns it to create steam to generate useful electricity for nearby homes and businesses.

FCC was looking for ways of making energy savings and carbon reductions as part of this EfW process and was also working towards the ISO 50001 energy management standard. The company asked Siemens to do a retrofit upgrade on one of the site’s three furnaces.

At Allington, waste is incinerated at temperatures of over 850 degrees C in a controlled combustion process of a fluidised bed, from which the hot gases are passed through a boiler to create steam which can be used to generate electricity within a district heating system (combined heat and power). Gases created during combustion are treated before being filtered and are continually monitored and recorded to ensure they stay within emission limits set within an Environmental permit. Metal recovered from the bottom ash during combustion is recycled and the remaining ash can be used as a substitute aggregate.

Fan adjustments to optimise energy use

At the Allington site there is a secondary air fan on each of the three furnace lines, helping to push additional air into the furnace which supports a better burn of the different types of waste being burnt; this also reduces potential emissions. Siemens focused on the secondary air fan area of line 2, which had a fixed speed drive with damper. The damper was being modulated (open and closed), depending on the waste being burnt. Siemens identified a good opportunity to reduce energy and CO2 without detrimentally affecting the process – and to make the overall process more efficient.

This secondary air fan was linked to a new Siemens variable speed drive (VSD) and modified existing AC induction motor. It was controlled via the existing DCS and operating process to provide a reference signal to raise or lower the air flow needed to produce a clean burn, subject to the waste being burnt. By doing this, just enough air to the furnace could be managed, making the application more efficient, considerably cutting wasted energy, and at the same time achieving and supporting the emission levels needed for this waste-to-energy power plant.

Since installation and commissioning of the line, the required KWs have reduced substantially, currently saving FCC Environment in excess of £48,000 per year and reducing operating CO2 value by 645 tonnes.

Return on investment (ROI) for the electrical & control installation element of the project was less than a year. FCC Environment’s electrical engineer Jonathan Flavell said that a fan was also replaced during the planned outage, but that the Siemens element of the upgrade produced an impressive ROI of around 11 months: “We would have had a faster ROI had we not done some other replacements, but are still delighted in the results we are getting and are now looking at upgrading the other two lines in a similar way.”

These optimisations of energy and CO2 use were mainly achieved through the use of modified PLC, motor and drive – a Siemens Integrated Drive Systems (IDS) Total Engineered solution, where all drive train components work harmoniously together to maximise performance and whole asset life reliability. Siemens DFPD application specialist Gary Palmer commented, “By improving particular elements of the process, a significant difference can be made to ongoing energy use, bringing immediate savings and a rapid return on investment.”

The energy savings made at Allington through these process improvements have also helped FCC to achieve the ISO 50001 international energy management standard,cutting energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions and meeting government reduction targets.

Optimising emission abatement technology

Siemens was also able to help FCC Environment on one of its other sites to improve its emission abatement technology in line with environmental requirements. At Nottingham Siemens’ laser gas analyser technology was installed to measure emissions during the burn process, enabling FCC to take pre-emptive actions on gas cleaning procedures by introducing abatement or neutralising media, as FCC’s Philip Eyre explained. “We use lime and bicarbonate of soda to perform the cleaning function and methods to ensure we only use the optimum quantities of lime have a direct and beneficial impact on our day-to-day operating costs. Reducing lime consumption and associated costs such as transport, whilst maintaining our emissions performance, has been a key project objective. We are delighted with the results so far.”

The LDS 6 insitu gas analyser had to be capable of operating within the extremely aggressive conditions inherent in the incineration environment, consistently and effectively. A periodic back purge on the extractive gas analyser due to the high dust content was also designed into the system by Siemens, as laser and CGA product manager Shawn Pullman confirmed: “The specification of a tuneable diode laser analyser offering real time measurement for the hydrochloric acid gas meant this hard-to-measure gas could be handled within the concentration levels experienced on site.”

The gas analyser project at the Nottingham site has brought significant benefits, with payback expected within two years.

]]>CHOPS registration openshttps://mhea.co.uk/chops-registration-opens/
Wed, 24 May 2017 11:27:48 +0000http://mhea.co.uk/?p=2444Registration opens on 5 June 2017 for the 2018 Conveying and Handling of Particulate Solids. The 9th international conference will be held at the University of Greenwich in London on 10-14 November. For more details, download the leaflet.